Daniel Sturridge singles out Chelsea ‘beast’ who outshone Declan Rice against Arsenal

Nov 30, 2025 - 20:00

Chelsea v Arsenal - Premier League — Rice did not have it all his own way atStanford Bridge (Picture: Getty)

Daniel Sturridge hailed the performance of Reece James in Chelsea’s hard-fought draw with Arsenal, insisting the England international was a ‘beast’ in midfield up against the Gunners.

A tense London derby at Stamford Bridge ended all square on Sunday after Trevoh Chalobah’s second-half header was wiped out by Mikel Merino’s equaliser.

Chelsea lost Moises Caicedo to a straight red card in the first half for a wild and reckless challenge on Merino – a setback that threatened to derail Enzo Maresca’s gameplan.

The sending off saw James moved into midfield, a position he has begun to take up more regularly with his club, turning in an excellent, all-action performance to help keep Arsenal at bay.

James gave Chelsea an outlet through the middle of the park with Arsenal struggling to keep him pinned down and held his own formidably against Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the middle of the park.

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Former Blues striker Sturridge told Sky Sports: ‘He’s become a senior player, he’s been at the club nearly 20 years.

‘He has struggled with injuries throughout his career buy no doubt he’s an absolutely unbelievable football player.

Metro at the Match: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

From Stamford Bridge, Metro’s Ben Fleming breaks down the winners and losers from Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Caicedo sees Red

The big midfield match-up between Rice and Caicedo fizzled out before half-time when the latter was sent off for a poor challenge on Merino. The Ecuadorian was solid up until that point, but his red card stunted what had been an impressive first half from the hosts.

Estevao shows his age

Estevao lit up Stamford Bridge in midweek against Barcelona but spurned one golden opportunity and was otherwise kept quiet by Calafiori before making way at the break. Perhaps a sign from Chelsea fans to not expect the world from this mercurial teenager just yet.

James delivers a captain’s performance

A true captain’s display from James in front of his home fans. Ran the show in midfield, even before Caicedo’s departure, and continued in that vein after the break, providing the assist for Chalobah’s goal with a superb set-piece delivery.

Chelsea match ratings: Sanchez 7, Gusto 7, Fofana 5, Chalobah 7, Cucurella 7, James 9, Caicedo 3, Estevao 5, Enzo 6, Neto 7, Joao Pedro 6. Subs: Garnacho 6, Delap 6.

Merino the makeshift no more

Viktor Gyokeres was a welcome return to the Arsenal bench, but might he have to wait for his opportunity? Mikel Merino continues to exceed expectations leading the line, and showed true striker’s instinct to ghost behind Fofana and head Arsenal level.

Hincapie up for the fight

Starting his second successive league game, it’s clear to see what Arsenal saw in Hincapie. The left-footed centre-back is rough around the edges, but a bundle of aggression in both boxes, and virtually licked his lips with enjoyment after dispossessing Neto inside his own box.

Arsenal match ratings: Raya 6, Timber 7, Mosquera 6, Hincapie 7, Calafiori 7, Rice 7, Zubimendi 6, Eze 6, Saka 7, Martinelli 6, Merino 8. Subs: Lewis-Skelly 7, Madueke 6, Odegaard 6, Gyokeres 6.

‘The versatility he brings to the team, the set pieces, he has all the tools to play midfield and right-back. He was an absolute beast today. He have them so much running power in midfield.’

Theo Walcott was also left impressed with James, believing Sunday’s performance proved he is fully capable of being Chelsea’s ‘leader’.

But the former Arsenal forward believes players like Rice will be disappointed they didn’t ‘test him enough’ in those midfield battles.